Ensure ufw is uninstalled or disabled with nftables
Scanned 5/30/2026
Install via CLI
openskills install CyberStrikeus/CyberStrike---
name: cis-ubuntu2004-v300-4-3-2
description: "Ensure ufw is uninstalled or disabled with nftables"
category: cis-networking
version: "3.0.0"
author: cyberstrike-official
tags: [cis, ubuntu, linux, ubuntu-20.04, firewall, nftables]
cis_id: "4.3.2"
cis_benchmark: "CIS Ubuntu Linux 20.04 LTS Benchmark v3.0.0"
tech_stack: [ubuntu, linux]
cwe_ids: []
chains_with: []
prerequisites: []
severity_boost: {}
---
# CIS Ubuntu Linux 20.04 LTS Benchmark v3.0.0 - Control 4.3.2
## Profile
- **Level:** Level 1 - Server, Level 1 - Workstation
- **Assessment Status:** Automated
## Description
Uncomplicated Firewall (UFW) is a program for managing a netfilter firewall designed to be easy to use.
## Rationale
Running both the `nftables` service and `ufw` may lead to conflict and unexpected results.
## Audit Procedure
### Command Line
Run the following commands to verify that `ufw` is either not installed or inactive. Only one of the following needs to pass.
Run the following command to verify that `ufw` is not installed:
```bash
dpkg-query -s ufw &>/dev/null && echo "ufw is installed"
```
Nothing should be returned
-OR-
Run the following commands to verify `ufw` is disabled and `ufw.service` is not enabled:
```bash
ufw status
```
```
Status: inactive
```
```bash
systemctl is-enabled ufw.service
```
```
masked
```
## Expected Result
ufw is not installed, or ufw status is inactive and ufw.service is masked.
## Remediation
### Command Line
Run one of the following to either remove `ufw` or disable `ufw` and mask `ufw.service`:
Run the following command to remove `ufw`:
```bash
apt purge ufw
```
-OR-
Run the following commands to disable `ufw` and mask `ufw.service`:
```bash
ufw disable
systemctl stop ufw.service
systemctl mask ufw.service
```
Note: `ufw disable` needs to be run before `systemctl mask ufw.service` in order to correctly disable UFW
## Default Value
Not applicable.
## References
1. NIST SP 800-53 Rev. 5: SC-7
## CIS Controls
v8 - 4.4 Implement and Manage a Firewall on Servers
v8 - 4.5 Implement and Manage a Firewall on End-User Devices
v7 - 9.4 Apply Host-based Firewalls or Port Filtering
MITRE ATT&CK Mappings: T1562, T1562.004 | TA0005 | M1033
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